Ruth Haines
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a busy airport with a lot of footfall. Travellers often have to switch terminals, and the airport advises arriving at least two hours before a flight. There are several ways to leave the airport, including by train, taxi, or shuttle bus. If you have a long layover, you can visit nearby Fashion Outlets of Chicago, about a 10-minute drive away, or, with a longer layover, you could make it downtown to see Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, the Art Institute or another attraction in the Loop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to leave the airport | Four hours |
| Luggage storage | None |
| Time to get into the city | Six hours |
| Attractions in the city | Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, the Art Institute |
| Time to explore the city | Eight hours or more |
What You'll Learn
How to get to the city from O'Hare airport
O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago, and there are several ways to get to the city from the airport.
The Chicago Transit Authority's elevated train, called the L, provides a direct service to and from the airport via the Blue Line. However, if you have a lot of luggage, note that the trains do not have luggage racks, and some stations are only accessible via stairs.
Taxis are available 24 hours a day from the airport and can take you to downtown Chicago and its suburbs. The trip will take between 25 and 90 minutes, depending on your destination. Taxi companies offer a flat rate for rides downtown, which is a straight meter fare plus one-half of the straight metered fare plus a $4 airport departure tax. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also available 24 hours a day and generally charge between $35 and $60, although surge pricing can cause prices to climb to $140.
If you have a long layover, you might want to consider visiting the nearby Fashion Outlets of Chicago, about a 10-minute drive away with a taxi or the Go Express Airport Shuttle ($10 each way). With a layover of six hours or more, you can make it downtown and visit Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, the Art Institute or another attraction in the Loop.
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Where to stay near O'Hare airport
If you're looking for somewhere to stay near O'Hare Airport, there are a number of hotels close by. The Crowne Plaza is one option, with friendly and helpful staff. Other hotels near the airport include Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport, Staybridge Suites Chicago O'Hare, The Rose Hotel Chicago O'Hare, Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare, Aloft Chicago O'Hare, Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O'Hare, Hyatt Place Chicago O'Hare, Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Chicago O'Hare, Hilton Chicago O'Hare, and Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O'Hare.
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How early to arrive at O'Hare airport
It is recommended that you arrive at O'Hare airport 1-2 hours before your flight time. This gives you enough time to go through the TSA routine and get to the ticket counter area. If you are flying mid-week in the early evening, the ticketing/security area is a little quieter than in the mornings. If you are flying out of O'Hare for the first time, arriving 2 hours before your flight time may help to reduce anxiety.
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How to get to O'Hare airport by car
If you're driving to O'Hare airport, be aware that there is major construction on the highway from O'Hare to downtown Chicago, which will likely make your journey at least an hour.
If you're renting a car, you can find rental car services at the Multi-Modal Facility, which is connected to the airport terminals by the Airport Transit System (ATS). The ATS is a free, automated train that operates 24/7.
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What to do during a layover at O'Hare airport
If you have a layover of four hours or more at O'Hare airport, you could leave the airport and visit the nearby Fashion Outlets of Chicago, about a 10-minute drive away with a taxi or the Go Express Airport Shuttle ($10 each way). If you have a layover of six hours or more, you could make it downtown on the train and have a meal and see Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, the Art Institute or another attraction in the Loop. If you have a layover of eight hours or more, you can explore more of the city. There are also many hotels in the area if you need to sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
Four hours.
No.
About a 10-minute drive.
You could make it downtown on the train and have a meal and see Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, the Art Institute or another attraction in the Loop.
